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One afternoon at my job a couple of years back, an notification hit on my phone: my salary had been deposited. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my what I always did payday ritual: I opened every retail application on my device. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had spent £90 on apparel, decorative items and a completely unused heavy blanket that never touched.

A short while after, I went online again and bought a hairdryer. I already owned one, but reasoned an extra one couldn't hurt. Then I included light strips and two shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn’t new behaviour. In fact, I’d been infamous for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or uninterested, I would mindlessly scroll until it always culminated in an impulsive shopping binge. My excuse was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely sure about the reason. Maybe it was because I grew up in a poor family, where we’d go months without buying new outfits or anything to brighten up the home. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden desire for new and thrilling things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in easily to capitalism’s demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I decided to try something new. Prior to buying any item, I’d put it in my digital cart, delay for 24 hours, then decide whether to finalize the purchase. The greatest advantage of this technique was that it gave me space to think – something I’d never done before. For the first time since I turned 18, I began asking myself: “Do I actually require this? Is it within my budget?” Most of the time, the answer was no.

If I accessed my shopping apps and found items sitting in my cart, I’d clear them out and start fresh. By employing this system, I ceased buying goods that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once considered buy three board games, but after a waiting period before visiting the shop, I understood I never actually play board games.

I also contemplated buying a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After pausing I remembered I had a smartphone, like most people, that features a perfectly good camera, and thus did not need to acquire a dedicated camera.

The Lasting Impact

It also means I am more discerning about the things I do buy, and I can finally review my bank statements devoid of experiencing shame or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into previous patterns – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can recognise the warning signs early, particularly when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve come to understand boredom is a strong trigger. It’s probably the primary driver of my impulsive expenditure.

Modern culture exploits this boredom and our desire for immediate satisfaction. That’s the reason, looking back, compelling myself to pause before buying has felt strangely freeing. Gaining control over my impulses and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my hard-earned money on non-essential products feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.